Player's Guide to Greyhawk (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons AD&D) 0786912480

Table of contents :
Introduction......Page 4
The Flanaess......Page 6
The High and mighty......Page 20
The City of Greyhawk......Page 30
Races of Eastern Oerik......Page 36
Roleplaying in the Flanaess......Page 43
Adventuring attractions in the central flanaess......Page 52
Player Character kits......Page 55

Citation preview

Symbols for Gods and Powers

01idammara

Trithereon

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Celestian

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Beory

Ulaa

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Nerd Vecna

Rao Ralishaz I

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-v Ism

Mayaheine

v Rudd

Zilchus

NTRO D U CTION Welcome to the WORLD OF GREYHAWK* campaign setting for the ADVANCED DUNGEONS 81 DRAGONS~ game. Some of you have visited the City of Greyhawk and the lands of the Flanaess before this, through the many adventures and accessories set in Greyhawki world. Some of you are newcomers to this setting, though you may have heard others speak of their experiences here. In either case, this PLyw's G i d e book is designed to give you information about the land, the history, the races and the cultures that make the GREY HAWK^ campaign uniquely exciting. Several years have parsed since new game mate&& have seen print and much has changed, but the danger, mystery and adventures that have always been a part of this world are as prefent as ever - perhaps more so. Some material idthis book introduces - or reintrodut -you to the lands of the Flanaess, th northeastern corner of the immense continent of Oerik and home to the Free City and Domain of Greyhawk. Since it helps to know a little about the world in which your characters move, we'll update the history of the Flanaess to the current campaign year of 591 CY (Common Year): and we'll provide an overview of the geographical and political divisions in effect at this time. The races of Oerth, described in only sketchy detail until now, are given greater consideration so that players can understand what it feels like to play a Flan, Baklunish, Oeridian, Rhennee or Sue1 human. Other information will be directly useful in your roleplaying experience in Greyhawk: race and cultural information,

Player's Guide to Greyhawk

notes for roleplaying representatives of specific groups, adventuring attractions, and even character kits unique to the lands surrounding the City of Greyhawk. The Pkyw's Guide book is by no means exhaustive. The GREYHAWK campaign was the first AD&D' game setting, and there exists a large body of m a t e d (most of it out of print) describing the City of Greyhawk and the Flanaess. It officially began with the WORDOF GREYHAWK folio and boxed S e t in the early'80s, set in the campaign year 576 CY, though many ADBID game adventures were set in this realm even before the setting rules came out. In the nearly two decades since publication of the folio, the world has been developed through scores of adventurer, accessories and articles. Some of the material that follows is adapted and updated From the W o r n OF GEYHAWKboxed ret (TSR stock #1015,1983), the GREYHAWK Advmrurrr hardcover book (#2023,1988), Ihe City o j C+hwk boxed set (#1043,1989), and the Fmm rhr Ashes boxed set (#1064,1992). None of these materials are required for play in the GREYHAWK setting, but those of you interested in reading them might find them in used book Stores, in secondhand sections of hobby and game stores, or a t auctions at game conventions across the country. Future GREYHAWK products will develop Oerik in much greater detail. Time has passed on Oerth since the last GREYHAWK game materials were produced; in the years between 576 CY and the current campaign date, 591 CY, the Flanaess has seen great treacheries and greater wars. A few years ago, a widespread conflict called the Greyhawk Wars damaged the fabric of life here, perhaps irreparably; the treaty which w a s supposed to have ended the wars has been broken again and again, and borders everywhere are in turmoil. The corrupt and decayed Great Kingdom has finally fallen, but new realms have arisen to take its place - each with the potential to be even more evil than i u predecessor. A horrifying demigod has been freed from captivity; despite the loss of many of his fiendish troops, his expanded empire threatens the heart of the Flanaess. A mysterious brotherhood has reached out from its southern stronghold to begin a conquest of certain countries - a conquest that may not end until the Flanaess itself is destroyed. Armies of humanoids -brutish creatures with both human and bestial features - march across the 1and:Though some have been repelled, still there are lost lands to be won. Giants and creatures drawn from alien planer lay waste to civilization. Barbarians, assassins and monsters run rampant. Yet the Flanaess is alive and vibrant. The timer are more peaceful than they have been, and for many, life goes on as it always has - there are crops to be gathered, markets to visit, roofs to rebuild. Other, more adventurous types strike out against the enemies of civilization and order, uncover lost and forgotten treasures, and gain the resources they need to become the heroes and leaders of this exciting new time. There are captured realms to be retaken, artifacts to be rediscovered and used, and incredible lands beyond the Flanaess to explore. It is an age of adventure with no limit to what one person can achieve. Welcome to Greyhawk. May your riches be many and your scars be few!

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nr c h i l ~ , l C L l l i I.!1, mnih wid the CLI:y IS bursting at the s ~ a m s Ry . 591 CY, th e city has reached a zenith in its long histo cy, offering stability and security m a world lacking both. Greyhawk‘s armies hold a fair,-sized region south of the Nyr Dyv, calleii the Domain of Greyhawk. At the 1uesternmost end of the Nyr Dyv IS the Free! City of Dyvers, Greyhawks primary nVal for merchant traffic. South of Greyhawk is Hardby, a seaport city-state

Keokznd, Uhk rtntri, Pornmj, Hold $the Spa Priniri, GmJ Stwih. Cran March, Biwl, Valb$ the M q The fertile Sheldomar Valley is almost completely endosed by mountains, with the Azure Sea coast along the southeast border. Two great rivers, the Sheldomar and the Javan, feed this vast land. The Pomarj peninsula is counted as part of this area. The primary threat here comes from humanoid and giant marauders in the Crystalmist, Hellfurnaces and Barrier Peaks to the west, and the Orcish Empire of the Pomarj to the eat: several states have been invaded by these forces. The Hold of the Sea Princes is in turmoil; pare are under the control of the Scarlet Brotherhood in the south. After the wars that destroyed the Baklunish and Suloise Empires, demihumans and primitive Flan humans were joined here a millennium ago by Suloise and Oendian humans. At the center of this valley is the Kingdom of Keoland, the first major nation established here. East of Keoland are three demihuman states: the Duchy of Ulek (populated by elves and humans), the County of Ulek (humans, halflings and gnomes), and the Principality of Ulek (dwarves and humans). There are currently battling o m and goblins from the P o m j . To the north are the Gran March and BLsel, once part of Keoland’s northern border. Gran March has attracted rtfugees from B i d , Geoff and Sterich, and has a strong force of knights supported by a militant philosophy In recent years, Bissel was conquered by Ket, but has won free. One unusual spot here is the Valley of the Mage (orvale of the Mage) in the Barrier Peaks, controlled by the secretive, paranoid wizard Jaran Krimeeah. Gnomes and unusually tall elves live here, supporting the wizard and defending the valley against all visitors. In the east are Geoff and Sterich, once vassal states of Keoland, more recently overrun by giants and other hostile humanoids. While Sterich has been reclaimed, Geoff still remains a “lost land,” and most of the population lives in exile in neighboring kingdoms, preparing for a waz that will allow them to return home. South of Keoland is the Yeomanry, a democracy with longstanding military traditions. Almost everyone knows how to fight, which enabled it to ward off an invasion of giants and humanoids during the Greyhawk Wars. Farther south is the Hold of the Sea Princes, once ruled by slave owners and former pirates, now torn by civil rebellion against the Scarlet Brotherhood, which invaded in 583 CY. In this region, Suloise background is dominant among humans, with strong Oeridian influence. Flan blood is strong in certain areas (Geoft Sterich and the County of Ulek) and strong Baklunish influence appears in Bissel and theValley of the Mage.

The Baklunish West Ekbi5 Zt$ Tumir, Ket, Ull, Plains fthe Pnynrmr, Dty Srtppes. These temperate grassland, forest and coastal western lands were settled by survivors of the destruction of the Baklunish Empire a thousand years ago. Largely separated from the rest of the Flanaess by the Yatils, Barrier Peaks and Crystalmists, they remain a traditional stronghold of the Baklunish people. The empire's core lands are a mix of prairie and scrub desert called the Dry Steppes. Only horse-riding nomads ruled by khans inhabit the Dry Steppes, though one tribe has settled to create UU. The Steppes' northernmost extent, the Plains of the Paynims, is unoccupied during much of the hot summer: the nomadic residents are poorly armored but highly mobile and fierce. Baklunish nomads breed beautiful horses famed for speed and endurance. Just to the north are the four major Baklunish states: Ket, Tusmit, the Caliphate of Ekbir and the Sultanate of Zeif. On the fringe of the Flanaess, they seem exotic to ' visitors from the east: buildings are lavishly ornamented with minarets and towers, and locals d r t s in turbans and layered robes. Sailors from Zeif and Ekbir explore the Dramidj Ocean to the west. Caravans pass through Ket, which is located in a gap in the mountains between the Flanaess and the rest of Oerik. N o major external threat exists to this stable area.

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The Bitter North

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W Oand~ E8r Noma&, Bhdmoor, Penrnland, Land fBin& Irr The Dramidj Ocean, the Yatik, Lake Quag, theverve Forest and the lands of Iuz form the borders of the Bitter North, a cool region of steppes and conifers. The only organized state here is Perredand, a mountainous neutral nation. Perrenlanders (also called Perrendem) were originally warlike Flannae who absorbed all invading peoples. Now democratic and wealthy Perrenland is a major trading partner of Ket, Furyondy, Veluna and other states, and it is a source of mercenaries across the Flanaess. The Baklunish-descended Tiger and Wolf Nomads hold the steppes north of Perrenland, to the edge of the pine-and-fir Burned Forest and the Cold Marshes. Fierce horsemen who frequently raid one another, these nomad hordes have banded together to fight Iuz's forces to the east, as the evil demigod is now their primary enemy. North of these tribes is the Land of Bkck Ice, a mysterious peninsula of snow and blue-black ice. Its inhabimts include remorhaz (insectoid monsters with furnacelike stomachs) and blue-furred bugbears. Here too are the ruins and dungeons of Bkdunoor, but despite legends of ancient treasure and magic, few people come to this frightening place. It is possible that in the long winter night the Land of Black Ice develops a wide ice bridge that leads to the polar continent of Telchuria.

The Empire of Iuz Lands .f Iuz, Homed Satiety, S h i d Lands (in part)> Bandir Lands, Barrens, Tab (in p a ) . Already ruler of a stretch of territory between the Cold Marshes and Whyestil Lake, in recent dmes the demigod Iuz has forged an immense and cruel tyranny. His vast

armies consist of OICS and hobgoblins, with other humanoids and many evil humans: IuiS lieutenants are nearly all evil spellcasters. The imperial capital is Dorakaa. During and following the Greyhawk Wars, he expanded his empire to include the former lands of the Rovers of the Barrens, parts of the Duchy of Ted, the Bandit Kingdoms, the Shield L a d s and the Horned Saciecy, as well as the bizarre Rift Canyon and parts of the enormous Verve and Fellreev Forests. The empire's civilized neighbors all currently follow a policy of strict containment, building up massive defenses along their borders with Iuz.The major threat to this region is not external, despite raids along every border and a major conflict in Tenh. The empire is threatened by manpower and food shortages, poor disaibution of what few resources

Player's Guide to Greyhawk

exist, and a completely chaotic and paranoid chain of command in which high-level commanders hoard mattrid for their private use while striving to undermine their peers. For information on Iuz, please see "The High and Mighty" section of this book.

Thillonrian Peninsula Stonehold, Ice Barbarians (CmskI),Fmst Barbarians (I+ Snow +Barbarians ), (Sibnag.

TheThillonrian Peninsula to the far northeast is separated from the rest of the Flanaess by a string of mountain chains. The dimate is subarctic, with brief growing seasons, poor soil and conifer forests. There are reports of curious lights in the sky like colorful ribbons, stripes or flashes. The peninsula is daimed by the Ice, Snow and Frost Barbarians, people almost entirely descended from Suloise migrants of a few centuries ago. Strong Flan and minor other elements are present in Stonehold (formerly the Hold of Stonefist). All there people live in relative barbarism, putting to sea in longships to raid the coasts of other realms (and one another), or attacking overland in wild hordes. Threats to this area are more often internal than external: currently, the Fists struggle to solidify their borders.

Old Aerdy West Nyrond, Urnst states, Bhroiraiy $ rhr Pak, Tmh (in part). The Old Aerdy region includes the vast temperate, fertile lands that were once a parr of the Kingdom of Aerdy, established in the eastern Flanaess seven hundred years ago. As it expanded and evolved and crowned its first Overking, the area was renamed the Great Kingdom. The western portion of this region is the Kingdom of N y o n d , founded by a branch of the Great Kingdom's royal dynasty j u s over two centuries ago. N p n d has expanded eastward to annex the ruined and depopulated lands of Almor, destroyed by the Great Kingdom in the Greyhawk Wars. Long ago a part of the Great Kingdom, the County of Urnst was governed briefly by Nyrond but became independent

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THE FLANAE

tg the Council of Re1 Mord over idred years ago. It is allied with hut servient to the Duchy of Urnsr ues have a mixed oooulation of and demihumans. Theocracy of the Pale is a s state governed by priests of the leity Pholms. Once a subject state md, the Theocracy has evolved into humorless, intolerant realm with a mamilitary presence. Heretics are ned or even slain, and outsiders ,me at besr The Theocracy trades :r and gems they mine for food e Urnst states, as their farmland Currently the border between and the Pale is in dispute. Duchy of Tenh is ravaged by war med by Iuz, Stonehold, the Pale .

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iian and Suloise backgrounds te the human oooulation in this with strong Flan influence in the 1Tenh. The area is threatened by liinternal weakness and instability, h p i r e of Iuz to the north, by ,ids from Bone March, hy the war and possibly by raids from the .ingdom of Northern Aerdy. The Kingdom of Ahlirra is viewed w e suspicion. 1

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Old Aerdy East ngdom $ Nmhrm Aevh, Ratik, Boer Inired Kingdm 6Ahlirra, Re1 h t m , Dnnwal, Imngntr, Kingdm $ Sunndi. recently, the Great Kingdom was est political entity in the Flanaess. t collapsed, it gave birth to a of nations, several of which now he chance to build a new empire !shes of the old The threats here l a d y internal: the k a t Kingdom thern Aedy has a lingering civil Aving the suppression of an wizard and his undead army, and ted Kingdom of Ahlissa is barely I t all, with many half-hidden and conflicts between its nobles. Dunding states distrust or hate 10 S U C C ~ S S Ostates ~ of the Great m, with several being members of I League that opposed the old

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imperial regime. The Scarlet Brotherhood is viewed as a background threat. Oeridian influence is dominant here, with minor elements of other human races. Other states that were part of the fallen Great Kingdom are tiny, independent &til on the northernmost border: magic-blasted. isolated Rauxes. former CaDital of the Gr Kingdom; the newly declared Kingdom of Sunndi; Re1 Asua, ruled by the evil undea, tyrant Drax the Invulnerable; the Free City of Irongate; humanoid Bone March; and Onnwal, partially subjugated by the Scarlet Brotherhood.

Isolated Realms Tilvanot Pminruia (SurLt Brotherhood), Lwdship .f the Lbs, Sea Barons, Spisdnjt fibs, Heponahn Amrdio JungL, Sea .f h t , Undcr-Omh. Most of these geographically isolated areas were settled centuries ago by Suloise peoples fleeing the Oeridians, though the Sea Barons exhibit Oeridian and Flan influe: as well. Separated from the southeastern Flanaess by rough hills and thevast Swamp, I Tilvanot Peninsula is dominated by a plateau about sixty miles wide by two hundred a forty miles long and is home to the mysterious Scarlet Brotherhood. Numerous islands and a minor continent lie off the eastern and southeastern coasc the Flanaess. The Asperdi Duxchchan island chain includes the fout majot islands of the Diratical Sea Barons, the Lordship of the Isles and the SDhdrift falso called the h d o r e ) 1sles.These last have been taken over by powerful high and aquatic elves whc are changing the island into a bizarre land of magical fogs and illusions. As they near 1 ends of their long lives.. aging - - elves acmoss the Flanaess are drawn to travel to these islands, but what happens there, no mortal can say. The Lordship of the Isles declared the Scarlet Brothcthhood in 584 CY. Only a few dozen miles across theTilva Strait from theTilvanot Peninsula is the mi continent of Hepmonaknd. Hepmonaland is almost entirely unexplored, a tropical region where rain forests doak the land.The Scarlet Brotherhood has conquered part c northern Hepmonaland and imports the warriors it finds there (themselves of Suloise stock) to the Flanaess to fight for the Brotherhood. A second tropical region lies to the west of Hepmonaland, across the pirate- and monster-infested Densac Gulf. The Amedio Jungle’s northernmost part reaches into tl Azure Sea. Here, pirates and slavers from the Hold of the Sea Princes raided or trade with the jungle residents, until the Scarlet Brotherhood conquered the Hold and conducted its own raids. Ancient ruins and savage monsters fill the Amedio, which is c off from the rest of the world by the Azure Sea and Densac Gulf and by the volcanic Hellfurnace mountains to the west. The Brotherhood remains the greatest threat to th islands, Hepmonaland and the Amedio; hut the shipbuilding programs of the Great Kingdom of Northern Aerdy and the United Kingdom of Ahlissa are likely to create external threat within a decade. The Sea of Dust lies to the southwest of the Flanaess, across the Hellfurnaces ftor the Amedio Jungle. This ash desert is all that remains of the old Suloise Empire, also called the Sue1 Imperium, after the Rain of Colorless Fire about a thousand years ago. Portions of the Sea of Dust are navigable using special boats. This region is extremely hostile to humans, hut a strange ecology has developed, with rock-eating C E ~ N E S , 9;” slugs, burrowing beasts and other monsters. Beneath the Hellfunaces and parts of the Crystalmists ate huge tunnels and cavern: that stretch underground for perhaps thousands of d e s . Only a fraction of this subterranean realm has been explored by humans, who generally avoid the evil races that live here.This realm is called by some Under-Oerth. Its best-known feature is the gigantic city-cavern called thevault of the Drow, though a great underground river ani sea are rumored to exist as well. 0

:LIMA=

OF THE

FLANAESS

world of Oerth, local weather is strongly affected by magic, and it is possible that #en generates or controls the world's climate as well. Certainly, the Flanaess has an long summer and growing season, especially considering the world's large axial ch by rights should produce remarkable seasonal and climatic extremes. Certain nd their agents specialize in manipulation of the atmosphere, including winds, rain, heat and cold. Such manipulations are generally meant to keep the weather 21 to most worshipers of the gods, though the weather can also be used to punish ssors on a large scale. i cast by wizards and priests can have extraordinary effects on local weather , too, and new weather-altering spells are developed all the time. Some kingdoms Celene) appear to deliberately alter local conditions on a day-to-day basis the weather as pleasant as possible. However, there is concern that great or 2d weather changes using magic result in a baddash, altering conditions elsewhere vorld or even on other planes, particularly the elemental ones. Some areas of ,articularly over the seas, are savaged by storms of extreme violence, perhaps ingly driven by magic-use elsewhere. cd this, changes in climate on Oerth are closely related to latitude. In general, a ,f one degree of latitude will result in a difference of two degrees Fahrenheit in tux Thus, a wizard teleporting from the equator in the jungles of Hepmonaland xthernmost peninsula of the Land of Black Ice, about 60 degrees north should experience a sudden drop in temperature of roughly 120 degrees. Local ns alter this tendency. h a e s s , as noted, has an especially good growing season. Temperatures rarely fall eezing in that part of the Flanaess that is below 4 5 degrees north latitude the latitude of Perredand), except during the two winter months (Sunrebb and ) and early spring (Readying), and at night during late spring (Coldeven) and late (Readykat). Even in the depths of winter, rarely more than a week or two of :old weather is suffered, with gradual warming after. Summer lasts five or six in the central Flanaess, that area between 4 5 and 25 degrees north latitude, rutdy the latitudes of the Crystalmists. The climate here is temperate, with rare south of latitude 35 degrees (just south of Greyhawk). oasts usually receive more rainfall and remain cooler in the summer and Warmer inter than inland areas. Several areas have subtropical conditions, during which ners are relatively dry but winters bring considerable rain. These areas include 1 of the Sea Princes, the Pomarj, Onnwal, Idee, thevast Swamp, Dullstrand, the L Lordship of the Isles and the Spindrift Isles. cal conditions generally exist everywhere south of 20 degrees north latitude. in particular are the Amedio Jungle, theTilvanot Peninsula, the southern > of the Isles and all of Hepmonaland. Here, it is hot and rainfall is abundant nd. Hurricanes are known to occur, generally moving from southwest to ,t except around Hepmonaland, where they usually come directly from the west west, moving against the general flow of air. rid Sea of Dust is a blast furnace during the summer, but it remains hot in the all year long and r&fall is rare. This area's hordic weather appears to be maintained icient Stone Circles of Tovag Baragu, in a manner that is not Well understood. elevations in the Yauls/Bariier Peaks/Crystal~sts/Hellfurnaces chain and in lonrian Peninsula's Corusks/Griffs/Rakers chain remain snowbound all year rh glaciers and alpine conditions above the tree line. Parts of the Hellfurnaces bow freezing all year long, from active volcanism and the influence of what may TOUS gates to the Elemental Plane of Fire. The Lormils and Glorioles have only ow-capped peaks. regions between 4 5 and 5 5 degrees north latitude (the latitudes of the Barrens

8r.s Guide to Greyhawk

and the lands of Iuz) count as subarctic, with cool, dry summers during which the ground thaws for only a few months. This region is very close to the Northern Border of Day and Night (as Oerthi arctic circle is called), north of which the length of day and night alter greatly.The Thillonrian Peninsula receives more rain and snowfall than interior areas such as the Barrens, Iuzi homeland and the land of the Wolf Nomads, which are cold steppeland with permafrost tundra farther north. Barbarians of the Thillonrian Peninsula practice limited agriculture. An exception to the above are those regions adjacent to the Dramidj Ocean, which is known for its unusually warm currents. Zeif, Tusmit, Ekbir and the western half of the lands controlled by the Tiger Nomads are all temperate, with respectable rainfall and the same growing seasons as the central Flanaess. Fog is Common in the winter here, as cold air from the north passes m e t the warm sea. Icebergs are often shrouded in fog. Prevailing winds in the Flanaess tend to be from the north and northeast in autumn and winter, and from the east and southeast in spring and summer. The wintry north wind is often called "Telchur's breath," after the Oendian god of the north, and the spring wind from the east is called "Atroab laugh," for the Oeridian goddess of the east and springtime. Mountain ranges and the like may alter tha. When they flow against high hills and mountains, moisture-laden winds from the east cool, causing rainfall. As the winds cross the hills and mountains, they warm up, retaining their moisture. Thus, the western side of many mountain ranges are dryer than the eastern side.This becomes especially apparent when looking at the west and east sides of the Barrier Peaks/ CrystaLnists/Hellfu~n~c~~ chain, though the western side is also more arid because of magical influences. Elsewhere, the Kingdom of Sunndi is wetter than the Ahlissan Principality of Naerie to the west, thanks to the Hollow Highlands, but is drier than Dullstrand and old Medegia, thanks to the Hestmarka. The natural

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THE FLANAESS

depression found ;It the joining of these two hilly chains just south of Sunndi forms the Vast sw,amp. The eastern Abhor-Alz help ke'ep the Bright Desert dry, yet also feed the Gnatmarsh with abundant rain.

A HIS TOR^ OF

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THE FLANAESS

In the past thousarid years, the cultural landscape of the F lanaers has evolved from a lightly populated region of ptimitive human, demihuman and humanoid rriber to its current statu s: a crowded, war-torn land of civilized feudal states armed with powerful magic an time, Gmenab has locked ne adventuthg himself if ned interesting or profitable Is0 an excellent informant, m n for keeping the hose who ask it

ieren Jalucian daster of the Guild of 'rincipal of the Greyhawk Iagic Arts. While these gely administrative and nonetheless keep Kieren is mind to stay s h a q Kieren ,early W e y pupil to pass Jlc university for the past 2 knows a wide assortment as well. Although he seem thirties, those who know t that he is much older than laps mox than nhety). uestionably in love with r

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card Damaris :s the Green Dragon Inn m e r , a favorite haunt of those seeking them. Nearly

the neighborhood can tell Ricard is the rnan to see for ! has infomanu throughout drunkards who visit his

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establishment often spill thelr guts to him. Ricard has a strange sword that can generate effects normally created only by wizards. His wife,Florence, takes care of the bookkeeping for the operation.Ricardi daughter, Clarissa, is the apple of his eye, but she is a spoiled, wild teenager.

TalasekTkaydin If a character is unemployed, bmke or otherwise down on her luck, TalasekThrayiLn is the man to findThis paladin of S t Cuthbert has dedicated hs life to helping the unfortunate. He has a network of friends and acquaintances all over the city who provide food, lodging, work - and information. The paladin; past efforts have accomplished everything from obtaining cows to provide rmlk for the orphanage to helping crush a cult of Iur operating in the city He can be found by inquiring at theTemple of St. Cuthbert in the G d e n Quarter.

Wasim Qharauah; Golden Scimitar Thx mercenary group has traveled in nearly a l l parts of the F h s s . They settled in pivate p r t e r s in Greyhawk City looking for work but have had muble finding emplopent, possibly because of their Baklunish appearance. In the suspicious and prejudiced timer of the past few yeam, no one has been &g to gamble on a group that might be spies from Ket a worse. Certain reliable m o t s indicate the group is m m r t h y pointing to the Suloise wizvd who rravels with these men as evidence. Sheroyl Kubi& an albino Sdoise from the lands of the Sea Barons, has been p a t of this band for ten years. Wasim Q u d and hk men would all die for her, and Shmyl will do h o s t mything for her band of bmthers. The Golden Scimitar now works in the Fore@ Quarter as guardr.The group is fiercely loyal to each other, its allies and its m m t mission Waslm is known to seal his b+ns with a contraa and a blwd oath.

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Player's Guide to Greyhawk

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THE CITY OF GREYHAWK r

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ACES OF EASTERN OERIK Nearly all the humans of the Flanaess can trace their roots to five racial groups. (A sixth group, the Olman of the Arnedio Jungle, exist as former slaves in the Hold of the Sea Princes.) Many fok retain distinctive racial characteristics, but most are difficult to recognize due to long centuties of mixed marriages. However even in these cases, many families identify with a certain racial group and follow those traditions and customs whether they resemble their ancestors or not. Only the Rhennee shun !* martiages outside their own race. ')%

, Members of the Flan race are accepted to be &st human inhabitants of eastern Oetik I hence the teem Flanaess. Otiginally scattered I nomads with no mal settlements, the Flan were pushed to various areas of the continent just over a thousand years ago by the hading Suel and Oeridians. The Flannae are recognizable hy their $ bronze complexions and wavy or curly hair. ,' Their skin tones range from a lighter coppery color to a deep brown. Flan eyes are most commonly dark brown or black, with bmwn or amber appearing less frequently Their hair is usually black but also ranger through shades of brown-black, dark bmwn and brown. The Duchy of Tenh hoasrs of a pure Flan haitage. Geoff and StMich, while slight+ mixed with other races, still identify with the F h a e . Other nations that show strong t Flan mots are the Roven of the Barrens, 1 Stonehold and theTheooacy of the Pale. The original Flan nomads of a millennium ago wore simple, utilitarian

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Player's Guide to Greyhawk

clothing including loincloths, capes and leather wrappings on their feet that served as shoes. They also wore brightly colored body paints, primarily vermilion and yellow ochre, in primitive patterns, a practice still common among the surviving Rovers of the Barrens. In civilized regions such as the Duchy of Tenh, Flan clothing tends to follow current fashion, though in solid, bright primary colors. The ancient Flannae were a peaceful people who followed a regular pattern of seasonal migration. They lived off the land, hunting and gathering, and their population remained relatively steady They had a strong view of nature as an entity, and the myths, legends and culture dl emphasized the importance and values of a close relationship with nature. All of the known druidic gods are Flan in origin. While many Flannae were able to coexist with the immigrating Suel and Oeridians, others found themselves pushed from their traditional lands. They were forced to hunt in unfamiliar territories and dimates, and some scholars speculate that the Flannae nearly died out during these difficult years. Some of the pureblooded Flannae still show characteristics of their ancestors. They tend to prefer open spaces to crowded cities, and they have an affinity for gardening (especially among those with no choice but to live in crowded conditions). Some Flan (particularly those of the Rovers,though many of them have hem killed in recent years) are good with horses.The Flannae have a strong tradition for storytelling, and most families have a repertoire of legends and traditions passed down through the generations. They like to spend as much time as they can out of doors, and a favorite pastime during comfortable weather is to build an outdoor fire and gather the family around for an evening of stories. A modern custom among the Flannae is to plant a tree at t h e doornay of their home. The tree helps to maintain the family's ties to nature and remind them to care for the Oerth mother Beory. Among some branches of the Flan, if the tree sickens or dies, this is taken as a sign that the family must move or perhaps had luck or some wil influence. Trees and plants are often given as gifts to welcome a new baby or to greet a Flan family moving to a new home. For good luck, some Flannae keep a dried or pressed leaf from their home tree when traveling or adventuring.

THEOERlDlANS A millennium ago, the Oeridians moved from the west into the Flanaess, where they eventually took control of what is now Furyondy Perrenland, the Shield Lands, the Great Kingdom of North Aerdy, the United Kingdom of Ahlissa, Onnwal and Sunndi. They are sometimes difficult to differentiate from other races, with skin ranging from tan to olive, hair varying in color from honey-blonde to black (with brown and auburn being most common), and eyes of every common calor, though most often brown or gray. Oeridians are recognized more easily through their choice of clothing.

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Favoring plaids and checks, sometimes with unusual variations such as diamond or lozenge patterns, the Oeridians are perhaps the flashiest dressers in the Flanaers. Their clothing normally consists of close-fitting trousers and short tunics with capes or cloaks. Historically, the Oeridians were fierce warriors and aggressive about controlling land. They fought hard to maintain their borders and even harder to acquire lands they desired. Conquerors by nature, they are accustomed to thinking of themselves as the best humanity has to offer and thus destined to rule. They are prone to take charge, obey their superiors, and sacrifice for the good of whatever group they are in. All Oeridians suffer from bouts of temper, however, and those who can control their emotions and channel their energies into productive activity are regarded highly among all the races. Oeridians have a talent for focusing their attention in combat, and this sometimes gives them the upper hand. They consider fighting a craft, and practice i s taken very seriously. Some Oeridians practice acrobatics, tumbling, unarmed fighting and even dance as part of their training. Because of the great amounts of time the warriors devote to practicing their art, Oeridians tend to be nimble. T h e Oeridians are recognized for the superb weapons and armor they produce. They are always looking for ways to improve their odds in a battle, and that includes perfecting existing weapons and armor designs, and inventing new types of armor and weapons. They are also very inventive with developing magical armor and weapons and combat spells. Oeridian custom requires that a gift be offered to a host or hostess when an overnight stay is anticipated. Traditionally, this gesture was meant to put the hosting family at ease and serve as a sign that the visitors had no designs on acquiring the host's land or property. The Oeridian people feel deep ties to clan and are fiercely protective of both their immediate and extended family, A threat to an Oeridian's land or property is only slightly less important than a threat to his family

THERHENNEE The Rhennee are truly the enigma among the races of Greyhawk. While the other foul races can trace their histories to elsewhere on the continent, the Rhennee have separate origins. They are thought to have first appeared in the Flanaess in the area around the Adri Forest around 150 CY, moving west to avoid harassment by Aerdy soldiers and citizens. The Rhennee increasingly left the land to become migrants on the central rivers, until comparatively few land-dwelling Rhennee now exist. Though they rarely speak of this to outsiders, their legends claim that the race came to Oerth accidentally from their home world of Rhop. Although the Rhenn-folk have only a few ideas of what their home plane was like or how they got here, they know that it was quite different from the Flanaers. At a glance, some Rhennee might be confused with Oeridians. Rhennee skin color ranger in the tan to olive shades and h r tends to be black or dark brown, and curly hair is most common. Their eyes m most often brown, gray or hazel, but blue or green eyes are not unusual.The Rhennee are w q and short, with males averaging about 5' 6",but they are exceptionally stmng for their build The Rhennee live exclusively on the waterways. making their homes on large barges that average about 60 feet long and 15 feet wide.These sturdy barges are similar in style to a j d ; they are capable of navigating the Nyx Dyvi often choppy waters and treacherous storms, as well as rivemys.These ships may have one or fwo m t s . A single barge may be home to as m q as 45 people, including a captain or chiet; cwo to four guards, a "wise woman," an advisor or two,13 to 24 adults, and swen to twelve children (up to age 12).The guards may be male or female, but the advisors m always female. The wise woman is the matriarch of the group (although not all families on the barge are related);

her role is to tell forrunes for land-dwellers and thus earn coin, and also to predict the weather, settle disputes and use her SMSwith herbalism for minor healing. Thc wise woman is the driving force in Rhennee society: not even a noble will knowingly conttadm her. In spite of the role of the wise woman and her advisors, Rhennee society is extremely chauvinistic. Other women are treated as helpmeets and gain some respt~t from the men, but they are basically considered chattel. No formal rite of marriage exists, and barge captains and nobles may have as many "wives" as they can support. The men tend toward proud, aggressive behavior and are quick to issue a challenge to a non-Rhennee male who looks in the direction of one of their women. The Rhennee earn their living primarily through transportation of goods and passengers, with some hunting, fishing, trading and craftwork on the side. Most will not work when they can steal and thus have the thieving proficiency although they avoid stealing from each other. Some also have a skill for tinkering, but their reputations vary widely. Most of these folk do not seem indined toward good or evil, but instead lean toward neutrality. Some Rhennee have recently followed evil cults (for example, those of Vecna , and Iuz), but this influence has been thrown off. The Rhennee follow a rather strict set of norms that has different standards for their own kind and for non-Rhennee. Many of their customs are baffling to outsiders, and the Rhennee seem to like it that way Outside the City of Greyhawk, a large settlement (if it can be called that) of Rhennee floats an the Selintan RivecThe city officials ignore the flotilla, leaving the Rhmnee to resolve their own problems in their own way. This system works well for d concerned.

THESULOIU

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The Sue1 folk arrived in Oerik as refugees from lands south and west of the Crystalmist and Hellfurnace Mountains. Escaping the wars in their homelands, the Suloise helped to displace the Fknnae from their traditional lands and were themselves scattered far and wide. No one is certain what the ancient Suloise Empire war like. Most of their former realm was destroyed by the Rain of Colorless Fire, leaving behind what is now called the Sea of Dust. Rumors abound of Suloise ruins and treasures buried in the Sea of Dust, but the climate there is so harsh that few dare to po looking for this wealth.

ranges in the strawberry blondes, yellows and platinums. Wavy or kinky hair is seen as often as straight hair. The Frost. Ice and Snow Barbarians are the best examples of pure Sue1 blood. Suel descendants are also predominant in the Duchy of Umst, the islands off the eastern coast of the Flanaess, and the lands of the Scarlet Brotherhood on theTilvanot Peninsula. Some Suloise settled in the Amedio Jungle and H-lepmonaland. where they became tanned and freckled. Ancient Suloise wore wide-legged pantaloons and laore blouses. These styles are still popular but have been adapted for dimate. In the north, these garments can be of fur or felted wool, worn with capes, furred boots and mittens. Those in the south sometimes wear a loose vest instead of a blouse, and fabrics are lightweight. Solid colors are preferred universally, with most folk having only one or two colors in their wardrobe. The Suloise also like to wear emblems and souvenir trinkets on their clothing. These ornaments are considered important items of family heritage. They can be passed down through generations. The Suloise have a strong sense of the importance of ancestral and family ties. They fight more among themselves than other human groups because of these ancient allegiances. The Suloise are not known for their patience and have a short way with disagreements,

Player's Guide to Greyhawk

since they tend to be opinionated and convinced that their notions are the best. A popular saying in some parts of the Flanaess is, "when d the Suloise have lcft the table," meaning that nothing constructive will take place in a discussion until anyone unwilling to be open-minded is removed. There folk are also known for their manual dexterity. They have a talent far dl arts and crafts, especially those involving detail work such as embroidery, sewing, leather tooling, sculpting and painting. Suloise weavers can demand the highest prices on the continent for their fabrics, both for the fine grain of their weaves and the extraordinary detail of thcir patterns. The Suel have a long tradition of wizardty and magical research, and the ancient Sue1 Imperium produced many powerful magics, culminating in the Invoked Devastation that laid waste to the ancient Baklunish Empire. Even now many Sue1 become mages. Perhaps their dexterity gives them an advantage in manipulating spell components and gesticulations

THEBAKLUNISH The Baklunish are settled mainly in the northwestern regions of the Flanaess. Zeif, Ull, Ekbir and theTiger Nomads are the best examples of pure Baklunish folk. Their skin tends ro be golden and eyes are most commonly green or gray-green, with gray and hazel less frequent. Hair color is always dark, ranging from blueblack to dark brown. Baklunish features can be seen mixed with those of other races in the nations of Ket and Tusmit, and among the Wolf Nomads and the Paynim tribes. In the north, bright colors and gaudy patterns are tpical of Baklunish costume, with gowns and robes favored, and short breekr with long coats nearly as popular. Peasant folk in the north also wear gaudy fabrics, but tend more toward a single long robe with whatever adornments are available. The southern Baklunish favor colors in the pastel ranges, with patterns also popular. Dress is Complex and fancy,

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RACES OF EASTERN OERlK

with puffs, slashes and peplums. Ruffs migh t be seen at formal occasions. When at war, this fanciness is eschewed, and most roldirTS wear rough fabrics, leathers and hides adorned with shields and coats of arms. They often carry banners displaying dan ped a horse-based nomadic culture based on raiding, herding and trading the fine I-L O I S ~ Sthey breed. The secded B A " inish are traders and farmers who have ,achieved considerable power and built great cities and rods. Lil